FBI reveals probe into how agency handled Jewell case

October 29, 1996
Web posted at: 9:20 p.m. EST

From Correspondent Anthony Collings

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The FBI is investigating its handling of
the case against former security guard Richard Jewell, who
has been cleared as a suspect in the Centennial Olympic Park
bombing, FBI Director Louis Freeh said Tuesday.

"There is simply no justification for leaks of investigative
or confidential material," Freeh said.

In a written statement, Freeh said the FBI's Office of
Professional Responsibility is looking into "any possible
improper actions by FBI employees."

The office is conducting two probes: to determine the source
of an Atlanta Journal-Constitution story naming Jewell as a
suspect and to evaluate "the propriety of the manner in which
the FBI questioned Mr. Jewell," Freeh said. He didn't say how
long the investigations would take.

The Justice Department notified Jewell last week that he was
no longer a target of the bombing investigation. His
attorneys say Jewell plans to sue news organizations that
named him as a suspect; he also is considering legal action
against the federal government. The lawyers claim the FBI
used trickery in interrogating their client without legal
counsel present.

Jewell became the target of intense media scrutiny after he
was identified as a prime suspect three days after the July
27 blast that killed one woman and injured more than 100
other people. He was hailed as a hero for finding the
knapsack containing the pipe bomb and helping to clear the
area.

FBI agents searched Jewell's home and interrogated him, but
he was never arrested or charged with a crime. Freeh noted
that the issuance of a search warrant didn't constitute
evidence of guilt.

The director praised federal, state and local investigators
who "worked tirelessly to pursue all leads and potential
suspects." But he added, "There is simply no justification
for leaks of investigative or confidential material."

Freeh said he has warned his employees in the past that they
could be fired or face criminal prosecution for leaks.